Elite recruits give their predictions for national championship game

Alabama is vying for its fourth national championship in seven years, and you better believe that recruits everywhere will be tuned in to see if the Crimson Tide wins another title. There may not be a bigger recruiting pitch than showing off your hardware to potential future players.

Ahead of the Crimson Tide’s showdown against the undefeated Clemson Tigers, SEC Country polled several recruits to get their thoughts on Monday night’s championship game.

Check out their predictions below:

Derrik Allen, five-star CB, Marietta, Ga. (uncommitted) — “Alabama’s defense is going to hold out. It will be a close game, though.”

Markail Benton, four-star LB, Phenix City, Ala. (uncommitted) — “24-17 Alabama. I think that it’s going to be a slow start because Clemson’s defense will stop Alabama’s running game for a while, but they’re going to start to wear down, and that’s when Bama’s going to kick in.”

Trey Blount, four-star WR, Atlanta (uncommitted) — “31-24 Alabama all the way. Overall, the physicality of Alabama’s defensive and offensive front will control the game. I believe Alabama’s secondary will cause some turnovers and their offense will capitalize on those turnovers.”

Zerrick Cooper, four-star QB, Jonesboro, Ga. (committed to Clemson) — “I have Clemson by seven, but they have to come to play.”

Ben Davis, five-star LB, Gordo, Ala. (uncommitted) — “35-14, Alabama wins. Bama’s defense is going to stop the QB, and I don’t think Clemson will be able to shoot down Alabama’s running and passing game.”

Jake Fromm, four-star QB, Warner Robins, Ga. (committed to Alabama) — “Alabama wins this one 34-13 and dominates the championship game. The defense will play lights out, and Jake Coker will have a great game.”

Netori Johnson, four-star OL, Ellenwood, Ga. (committed to Alabama) — “24-14, Alabama wins, because Alabama is going to stop the run. They will give up some points in the passing game, though.”

Jack Jones, four-star WR, Long Beach, Calif: (uncommitted): “I really like the way Clemson plays. I watched a little bit of the Alabama game. It was a dominant game, so I turned it off. But I like the way Clemson plays. I feel like they play with an attitude. It’s going to be a good one. They’re both in the championship for a reason.”

Jared Mayden, four-star CB, Sachse, Texas (uncommitted) — “Alabama will either win by 10 or Clemson wins by a game-winning field goal. I just don’t see it being a blowout game.”

Xavier McKinney, four-star S, Roswell, Ga. (committed to Alabama) — “Man, it’s going to be a tough, tough game, but I got to go with my team. Alabama will win 27-24. They will show more heart in the final quarter.”

Chandler Reeves, three-star OL, McDonough, Ga. (committed to Clemson) — “Clemson wins 31-28. I think Alabama’s defense is going to be tough, but we’ll be able to put up some points, and then our defense is going to be strong in the second half when the game is tight.”

Jeffery Simmons, four-star DE, Macon, Miss. (uncommitted) — “I think Alabama will win 49-14 because that defense Alabama has will not give up too many points.”

Trey Smith, four-star OL, Jackson, Miss. (uncommitted) — “It’s going to be a classic college football championship game. It’s extremely difficult to choose either one, but I’ll say Alabama edges out a win by a touchdown.”

Aaron Sterling, three-star DE, Stephenson, Ga. (committed to Alabama) — “Alabama wins 31-17 because Alabama has a very strong defense and have lots of weapons on offense.”

Isaiah Wilson, five-star OL, Brooklyn, N.Y. (uncommitted) — “It’s going to be a great game — old-fashioned Alabama football vs. the playmakers of Clemson. I think Derrick Henry carries the Tide to a close win, field goal or less.”